Summary Analysis Draft #1

According to the article “Introducing the Seabin Project” (2018), the Seabin works like a filter that captures the water with pollutants in it, separates them from the water, and makes it clean. The article stated that the Seabin requires an external power source that actuates a motor to “pump water to create a vortex”, allowing the Seabin to suck in pollutants along with the water. The pollutants are then captured by a detachable “catch-bag”, allowing only water to flow through. However, the bag cannot capture bulky objects. The article also mentioned that the Seabin can collect microplastic fibers, and absorb “petroleum-based oils and detergents.” Although the Seabin is made with recyclable materials, the project team wishes to make the catch-bag recyclable, and improve the Seabin’s power sourcing. Although the article describes how garbage can be prevented from flowing into the ocean by capturing it while it is still near the shore, the Seabin can be used as well for educational learning and raising awareness of pollutants.

In Singapore, the Singapore river passes through populated areas such as Clarke Quay where bars, cafes, and restaurants are many. At night, people of many age groups will frequent the area to consume food or buy takeaways. Some may even consume along the way and throw their garbage into a trash can. But there are moments when these trash cans are already full. And due to a small number of people who do not wish to spend additional time searching for another trash can, they have the tendency to bin their trash without securing it to the can. When there is the presence of wind, light-weighted items such as plastic bags, plastic bottle containers, and Styrofoam boxes can be blown into the river. Such cases can also be found at open-space bars and restaurants, whereas their litters are commonly tissues. The Seabin project can be used in community activities, allowing the public to personally handle the garbage they can collect from the river, while the facilitators explain to the participants how the pollutants can affect marine life. Implementing campaigns to raise awareness can be done by collaborating with organizations and companies the public can access, such as the Republic Singapore yacht Club that is situated at the coast of west coast park. Selling of the Seabin to the committee of the yacht club would help keep their port clean, and may also interest visitors and members from the public to support keeping the waters clean by creating a social group that uses the Seabin to clear garbage found near the coast of the park and the port of the yacht club. People can also sort the garbage’s recyclable materials, thus supporting the act of recycling.

Jateff, E (2018). Introducing the Seabin Project. Australian National Maritime Museum. https://www.sea.museum/2018/06/08/introducing-the-seabin-project Updated: 18th Feb 2020